CONVERGENCE – All Roads Lead to Grassington is the theme of this year's Grassington Festival.

And it is quite apt as nearly 100 musicians and artists will converge on the village from all corners of the country, not to mention the thousands of fans and festival goers, for 15-day music and arts extravaganza, which starts on June 17.

But convergence relates to more than just journeys, as the festival is keen to promote an appreciation and understanding of diversity, as well as the importance of communities converging and working together to create something worthwhile.

BBC presenter Will Millard on June 22 is one event which promises to bring the diversity of the world we live in into sharp focus.

Millard’s illustrated talk will give people an insight into traditional ways of life that are in terminal decline. “Hopefully showing how I got to this point will inspire future generations to get out there and record the incredible human geography of our world,” he said.

Threshold by Schwa on June 17 will explore hospitality to strangers, plus further live folk music from acclaimed Welsh folk group Calan on June 18 and Mercury Music Prize winner Seth Lakeman on June 28 will bring many more of the stories and melodies of the world to Grassington.

The festival’s ongoing partnerships with local schools and care homes includes arts-based projects, such as the diversity-themed GCSE art project at Upper Wharfedale School, along with unique opportunities for residents and pupils to take part in musical and theatrical initiatives.

All six Dales primary schools are working with Carine Brosse on the procession and younger pupils will be working with local artist Helen Peyton to make an installation for the marquee in The Square. Older pupils will work with Leeds band Hope and Social to learn how to play various instruments.

The festival’s convergence with the local community is also vital to its ongoing success.

Every year dozens of volunteers do everything from stewarding events, to staffing the bars and the box office. Equally important are the many businesses and Festival Friends who sponsor the festival, providing much-needed funds and resources.

Kate Beard, festival director, said: “Once again Grassington Festival is indebted to the generosity of local people and local businesses. Together with their support we are able to bring world class events to Craven and the Dales – a festival which offers two weeks of back-to-back events, free entertainment for all the family, the best of our local talent – plus exciting big name acts. Without support this range and diversity would simply not be possible.”

For tickets and information, visit grassington-festival.org.uk. If you are interested in supporting the Festival as a Friend, sponsor or volunteer please telephone 01756 752691.